Best Pet Articles

How To Choose A Dog - There Is A Lot To Consider, But A Lot Of Help Too


Choosing a dog is a fun adventure. The search for a new familial addition is exciting, but it can also be a little overwhelming. Don't despair; instead, keep in mind the following hints while searching and you'll know what choice is right for you and your lifestyle.

First, it's a little depressing to think about a Great Dane in an apartment your friends have dubbed "the water-closet". Even if you are able to hire a dog walker, it's going to be too cramped for you both. Save yourself and the dog from an uncomfortable situation. If you have the space, then it's not an issue. Compromise, because no matter how cute they are as puppies, they will fill those paws!

Space, exercise and quality time go hand in hand when it comes to caring for your new pet. Little dogs need exercise, however, bigger dogs need just as much or more. For bigger dogs, space is more of an issue than for a small dog. Little dogs have plenty of fuel to burn and can do it all indoors. Bigger dogs, however, cannot get as much exercise indoors. They need enough room to work up to a good run to really work their muscles. Even if you are city bound, be sure your dog is able to get plenty of exercise daily. That means outdoors walking, playing and running.

Think about how much quality time you can dedicate to your dog. Dogs need a lot of personal attention. They are pack animals. If you have another dog at home (and once the new addition is settled in), then leaving them alone together (with toys!) may help comfort both pets when you are gone at work. On the other hand, if the dog is obviously tired (and perhaps there are rambunctious children around), allow the dog to rest in its own personal space.

Another issue that arises is whether you want a dog that doesn't shed a lot. If your dog will live outside on the farm, then shedding may not be a concern. Different types of dogs shed at different times of the year, some all year long.

Next, think about whether you want a male or female dog. This is a matter of personal preference. There are different traits between males and females. Males tend to be bit more rowdy, explorative, protective and stronger. Females are less likely to wander off, are usually smaller and play a little gentler.

Finally, you'll want to decide if you want a pure breed or a mixed dog. A mixed, or crossbreed, will cost you less. It may even be free. The Humane Society is a great place to start. Many people find both young and old dogs that would love to be your or you or your child's loyal life companion.

Pure breeds have their benefits. Mostly, their bloodlines are well documented and you will know a lot about their instincts, temperament and size. It's important to know what you want out of your dog, a hunter, a protector, a worker or a friend. It's crucial to think about all of this if you have children.

Pure breeds may develop more problems than crossbreeds. For example, they may show signs of bad hips, elbows, or sight at an earlier age.

Crossbreeds, however, are more of a surprise. If you know the parents of the mixed pup, you can judge accurately what they will become. A crossbreed is less likely to develop problems often passed down in purer breeds.

All of this is important, but not as important as planning ahead. A little forethought will allow you to properly choose and care for your newfound friend.

For more information and an excellent, free, automated resourced to help you choose a dog, please visit our site here.

About the Author:
Tina Spriggs is an expert dog lover whose lifelong interest in canines provides the motivation for her site. To learn more about dogs or to find gifts and toys for them visit her site at Dog Gifts and Toys for Dog Lovers.

Copyright 2004. All rights reserved.


MORE RESOURCES:

Care2.com

Winterize Your Pet With the Royal Treatment
Huffington Post
Global warming may exist, but winter is still upon us, and our pets can feel the chill. A pet on the lap is a simple and wonderful way to lower heating bills, but what can we do to reduce their risk of illness from the tolls of winter?
Big Pets Get Bigger: Latest Survey Shows US Dog and Cat Obesity Epidemic ExpandingMarketWatch (press release)
Most American Pets are Too FatCare2.com
24/7 VETS: What to expect when you're expecting - a petinsideTORONTO.com

all 15 news articles »


Pet Friendly Hotel of the Year Award Winner New York's Hotel Pennsylvania ...
MarketWatch (press release)
7, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- As the 2012 Pet Friendly Hotel of the Year award winner and host hotel for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, New York's Hotel Pennsylvania has become the only hotel to stay at for the Westminster Dog Show.
Purely Products to Sponsor VIP Pet Bags and Allergy-Free Home Makeovers at the ...Business Wire (press release)

all 8 news articles »


Delta Society(R) Is Now Pet Partners(R)
MarketWatch (press release)
BELLEVUE, Wash., Feb 07, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Delta Society(R), one of the world's oldest and largest human-animal interaction organizations, is now Pet Partners(R). The renaming is part of the organization's new brand strategy to achieve greater ...
Delta Society® Is Now Pet Partners®Business Wire (press release)

all 4 news articles »


ChicagoNow (blog)

Pet Food Product Recalls, U.S. Senator Expresses Concerns
ChicagoNow (blog)
At a news conference on February 6 in Cleveland, Brown was joined by Kevin Thaxton, whose 10 year-old pug, Chancey, passed away unexpectedly after eating chicken jerky pet treats. But Thaxton didn't know why his dog died at that time and fed the same ...
Northeast Ohio pet owners want fast FDA action on pet treats from ChinaPlain Dealer
Concerns about potentially tainted pet treatsWTAM.com
Brown, Kucinich Seek FDA Action to Protect Dogs From 'Tainted' TreatsCleveland News - Fox 8

all 4 news articles »


PR Web (press release)

Why People Don't Fix Their Pets
Patch.com
February is Spay/Neuter Awareness Month and veterinarians and advocates have answers and aid for unsure pet owners. By Therra C. Gwyn Millions of kittens (and puppies) end up homeless on the streets and in shelters because of the problem of pet ...
Royal Pet Club Announces Partnership With Animal Aid to Donate Profits to ...PR Web (press release)
Sex and the Kitty: Discounted pet spay/neuters during FebruaryExaminer.com
NEW: Channel 10 Leads “Help These Faces” Unwanted Pet CampaignGoLocalProv
St. Augustine Record -Mail Tribune -Today's THV
all 11 news articles »


Lynnfielders Help PAWS Pets Find Homes
Patch.com
By William Laforme Since this website went online in late 2010, it has run regular columns from PAWS (Protection of Animals in Wakefield Society) highlighting the various pets, mostly cats in this case, that need a home. The local nonprofit recently ...

and more »


Canine changes; Pet owners fear licensing costs will rise after takeover
Record-Searchlight
Pet licensing in Shasta County will be privatized by next year. Curtis Martin runs Wednesday with his dog Jemma on Market Street. A change in the Shasta County Animal shelter's licensing program prompted by Haven Humane Society's eventual takeover ...

and more »


Pets for adoption Feb. 5
Greenville Daily Reflector
Here is today's list of pets available for adoption from local shelters and animal rescue organizations. The Pitt County Animal Shelter's featured Pet of the Week is Rosie, a large, adult, female pit bull mix. Animals available for adoption at the Pitt ...
Shelter Exchange and Adopt-a-Pet.com Partner to Help Homeless AnimalsMarketWatch (press release)
Homeless Pet ClubsPatch.com

all 8 news articles »


NoviPet Appoints US National Manager to Oversee the Sales of its Premium Pet's ...
MarketWatch (press release)
FALLBROOK, California, February 7, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- NoviPet, a leading global provider of premium nutritional supplements for pets, announced today the appointment of veteran sales professional Jim Boyd as NoviPet's new national sales ...

and more »


Critter Cleaners, All Pet Pantry Open on State Street
Patch.com
The pet grooming business and feed store now share a space at 1120 State St. in the Chipain's Shopping Plaza. By Amanda Luevano Critter Cleaners, the pet grooming business formerly located in downtown Lemont, opened its doors at a new location on State ...

and more »

Google News

home | site map | SubArticle
© 2008